Tasmanian devils the winner from feral cat trapping effort

An initiative to control invasive feral cats in Tasmania's West Tamar region has yielded an unexpected but welcome benefit: a resurgence in the local Tasmanian devil population. Farmer Greg Squires initiated the effort after noticing feral cats frequently crossing his sheep paddocks, recognizing the significant threat they posed to native wildlife.

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The scientists will tell you that the feral cats will eat about 100 kilos of native wildlife a year.

Feral cats are known to prey heavily on native species, with scientists estimating they consume around 100 kilograms of wildlife annually per cat. Beyond predation, they also pose a risk by spreading diseases like toxoplasmosis, which can cause significant lamb abortions in sheep flocks. Recognizing that individual trapping efforts were insufficient, Squires collaborated with West Tamar Landcare volunteers in 2019 to establish a broader trapping program across 6,500 hectares.

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The traps on farms, Crown reserves and national parks have not just been catching cats. Native wildlife are also attracted to the chicken and sardine bait inside the cages.

The program, which involves setting traps baited with chicken and sardines in remote locations from late autumn to early winter, has been running for several years. While the primary goal is to reduce feral cat numbers, the traps have also captured native wildlife. This "bycatch" has included a notable number of Tasmanian devils.

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Between May and June this year, volunteers caught and released 56 Tasmanian devils.

Peter Voller, chair of West Tamar Landcare, reported that between May and June this year, volunteers caught and released 56 Tasmanian devils. He noted a significant increase in devil numbers compared to five years ago. "Fortunately for us, what seems to have happened is, as we've removed the cat population from these communities, the devil population has responded at the same time," Voller stated. He added that the current numbers suggest devils are dominating the feral population and may even control feral kittens. Encouragingly, the devils captured appear to be in good health, with "no sign of devil facial tumour disease," a highly contagious and historically devastating affliction for the species.

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what seems to have happened is, as we've removed the cat population from these communities, the devil population has responded at the same time.